Home Buy Christmas #6 - Old Town - Key West

616 Caroline Street - December 2011

Your family and friends will be envious of you if you buy one of the four newly listed condos at 616 Caroline Street. The large old house was built in 1906 just a couple of blocks from the busy Key West seaport.

616 Caroline Street as it appeared in 2005

I found a photo (above) of the property as it appeared in 2005 when the property was offered for sale as a "fixer". The property was purchased and renovated into six condominiums. Today, four of the six units are available for purchase at discounted offering prices that make each unit a real "buy" in my opinion. The two other units went under contract within a couple of days of being listed. Time waits for no-one.

Each unit is offered fully furnished and includes Asian Teak hardwood floors, marble counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms, high ceilings, crown molding, antique glass windows, Smart wired and digitally ready throughout, and a private balcony. There is a pool and spa surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the location is just one block to Duval Street. Interiors by award-winning designer, Pascal Delisse.

The pool and spa

Click on any unit number that follows for a more detailed description of that unit.

Unit #2 is a one bedroom in the rear offered at $345,000.

Unit #2 private deck is typical of materials and furnishings used

The bedroom in Unit #2

Unit #6 is a one bedroom priced at $360,000.

Unit #6 is located at the rear of the building

Unit #1 is located first floor front and the front porch for its outdoor sitting area. #1 is offered at $465,000.

Living room in Unit #1

The kitchen in Unit #1 is typical of the kitchen in all units

And this is the bedroom

Finally, Unit #5 is a two story unit located on the second and third floors offered at $450,000.


Compare the size, location, amenities, and historic and authentic Key West charm to similarly priced condos at Shipyard in Truman Annex. The kitchens and bathrooms are superior to most condos in all of Key West. The units seem a bit bigger, the pool is much more private, and the furnishings are more sophisticated than typical tropically decorated units in other condo developments. The location is an easy five minute walk to some of the best bars and restaurants at the Historic Key West Seaport. I like Truman Annex, and Shipyard offers a lot of value for first time buyers. These units offer a viable alternative at very competitive prices.

The Seaport is a two block walk east of 616 Caroline Street.

I think this property would make a most excellent vacation rental (30 days minimum) because of its size, location, and amenities. Returning guests love places like this that are near everything and have all the modern conveniences. These units are very nicely furnished and each unit has its own private outdoor area.

Harpoon Harry's is a couple of blocks down Caroline Street where you will be treated kindly and served very good food at an affordable price. Dances are cheap, too.

Friends and family can walk to the Historic Seaport for fun

Or for a good meal and a few drinks

If you would like to see this property or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Don't wait too long because these units will sell quickly.

Home Buy Christmas # 5 - Old Town Key West

3B Nassau Lane - Old Town - Key West

The new listing at 3 B Nassau Lane in Old Town Key West ought excite buyers who want an affordable single family house in a great location: the asking price is just $439,000. The listing broker describes the listing like this:

"A perfect 1BR/1BA cottage located on a beautiful lane in the heart of the historic District. Completely renovated in 2001 (but it looks like it was done yesterday)with cedar siding, solid oak flooring, new kitchen with granite countertops, new bath, double glazed Marvin windows with plantation shutters. French doors lead to a side deck. In 2010 new metal shingle roof. Walking distance to everything Key West has to offer."

This comfy cottage home would make a great second home for the single or couple that want a getaway place in Key West. The cottage has been tweaked to near perfection. There is a welcoming front porch followed by the living area, the kitchen and then the bedroom. The bath is off to the left. All of the creature comforts in a compact space. The outdoor area is just 20' x 48' (940 sq ft) which means there is just enough outdoor space to enjoy while you are here but not enough to break you when you are back up north.

A few years ago I sold a bit larger one bedroom house located across Nassau Lane. The buyers fell in love with the lane and the house even before we walked in the front door. That house was the first and only place we looked at and the property was under contract in about an hour after our first and only visit. I mention this because small lanes offer second home owners something often not possible in Key West - affordability. Small places normally sell at a higher price per square foot but the price is also much less than a larger house on a bigger lot somewhere nearby. This particular cottage has been 'done' so a new owner can move in and not worry about having to renovate or spend more money. And smaller homes are usually less expensive to insure and maintain long term. One last thing: if you have lots of family or guests, there is a nearby guesthouse at the corner of Fleming Street.

For the reader who wants a pool may I suggest that you consider the cost of actually owning even a small pool and then consider the option of using an alternative such as the pool at Dante's for those actual days you want to swim or layout. A typical pool service will cost $75 to $150 per month. Add the cost of chemicals, electricity and propane to run the pump and heat the pool, and you have a couple of thousand dollar expense added to your budget. Alternatively, you could spend the sun and swim days at a place like Dante's where you could have a few cocktails and a nice lunch each day. You would probably be ahead of the game by doing so. I think it is a viable alternative.

I suspect this little doozy will sell quite quickly at this price. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos of this property. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to set up a showing before this place is gone. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

---

Home Buy Christmas #4 - 626 Grinnell Street - Key West

626 Grinnell Street - old Town - Key West

Are you making a list and check it twice, trying to find a place that's comfy and nice? If so, consider 626 Grinnell Street which the the listing Realtor at Preferred Properties describes this way:

"Gracious home with large, comfortable living areas hidden behind the facade of a Conch cottage. Currently configured as a two bedroom/three full bath home, this property has the potential and square footage for reconfiguration to a three bedroom home. It is a superb renovation with plenty of spaces to live in and enjoy, located in a great area. Formal living and dining rooms, a master bedroom with private deck and a heated pool and spa in a secluded setting make this a property that should be seen by anyone interested in the Old Town area. No shortage of closets or storage areas which is unusual. Hurricane shutters all around, solar assisted hot water and four zone A/C are among the many convenience and green living features."

I dug deep into the old shoe box and found a photo of 626 Grinnell Street as it appeared in 1965. Compare the historic black and white photo with the current color pic and you will see that not much has changed. The house has newer windows and doors, shutters, and a white picket fence has also been added. But the house, otherwise, looks pretty much the same.

626 Grinnell Street - built circa 1906

626 Grinnel Street - December 2011

The house from the street appears deceptively small. It is not. This house as 2928 sq ft of living space divided between first and second floor. Inside, the house has been updated and expanded with renovations to the kitchen and bathrooms. There is a a pool in the rear and a second floor sundeck was added off the master bedroom suite. The house has a genuine old house feel and I mean that in the nicest of terms. This property is offered at $1,248,000, or just $426 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos.

Rear second floor deck off the master bedroom suite

626 Grinnell Street is located near the south end of Grinnell Street where dead ends into the Key West cemetery on Angela Street. Angela Street at that location is a one way street heading west to Margaret Street. The location is quiet not only because proximity to the cemetery but also because Conch Trains and trolleys don't traverse this street.

One of the darling Key West pocket parks is located across the street. The park is a nice respit for thinking or walking the doggies.


If you would like to see 626 Grinnell Street or any other house in Key West, please consider contacting me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

410 Simonton Street - Old Town - Key West

Home Buy Christmas #3 - 1110 Curry Lane - Key West

Would you like to own a home in Key West next year where you and your family or friends could gather for an Old Fashioned Christmas in a house with warmth and character? If so, consider how the listing Realtor describes 1110 Curry Lane:

"This charming home is tucked away on a pleasant, quiet lane in the heart of Old Town. It received the Historic Florida Keys Foundation Preservation Award. It has Dade County Pine walls, reclaimed Georgia heart pine floors with great attention to detail. The open floor plan and mature landscaping create a wonderful indoor/outdoor lifestyle in a lush tropical setting. There are two bedrooms and two baths. Serious cooks will appreciate the kitchen's utility with a commercial range, stainless steel appliances, and soapstone counter and sink. River rock decking surrounds the lagoon pool and waterfall. Private outdoor shower. Off-street parking."

The neighbor to the east

... and the neighbor further to the east

1110 Curry Lane is offered at the price of $799,000 or $700 per sq ft per sq ft for this 1207 sq ft treasure that sits on a 2321 sq ft lot. CLICK HERE to read the details and see listing photos.

If you bought this house you could walk to Duval Street within 5-7 minutes. Same for the Historic Seaport. There are two convenience stores on White Street, just a two minute walk away. You won't hear the noise of Harleys roaring down your street or the clang of a trolley car filled with tourists passing buy snapping photos, because they never get near the house. All manner of motor vehicles pass by the entrance to Curry Lane on a daily basis but normally only people who live on the lane actually drive a vehicle there. You see, life on a slow lane has lots of advantages.

The Studios of Key West (formerly The Armory) on White Street

Corner of Frances and Fleming Streets: two minutes from home

Corner of Grinnell and Southard Streets three minutes from home


If you would like to see 1112 Curry Lane or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

The neighbor at 1112 Curry Lane is anxious to have a new friend!

Home Buy Christmas #2 - Key West

3526 Eagle Avenue - Key West

Just listed by Key West Properties, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 3526 Eagle Avenue in Key West, Florida. This charming three bedroom two bath home might make the perfect Key West home for your next Christmas. The listing Realtor tells us why here:

"Charming 3br/2bath in a great location in New Town. This spacious home includes lots of natural light, vaulted ceilings, tile throughout along with a state of the art kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances for the chef or wanna be chefs. The master suite, which is located at the back of the house overlooking the mature trees, allows for excellent privacy. The suite includes french doors that lead out to the large backyard. The home also comes with a storage shed out back and off street parking. What more could you ask for!"

This home is 1600 sq ft and sits on a 50' x 120' (6,000 sq ft) lot. Click GOOGLE MAP for an aerial view and then use the toggle switch for a street view of the area. This home is located in the New Town area of Key West but the house itself was actually built in 1938 whereas most of the homes in the area were built mid-century. Many of the houses have been updated since then and there are new homes that were built on infill lots as well. The homeowners in this area are predominantly full time Key West residents. This house would likely appeal to a local family looking for clean and affordable living space in a good location. There appears to be plenty of room for a pool, however, a family with small children may not want the challenge of having a pool.

3526 Eagle Avenue is offered at $399,000 or $249 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos. Better yet please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to arrange a showing of this home or any other property in Key West. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. At $249 per sq ft, this really is a home buy in Key West.

283 Golf Club Drive - Key West

I wrote about 283 Golf Club Drive earlier this year shortly after I showed it twice to a potential buyer. He ended up buying a home in the Casa Marina area and loves his decision, but he was genuinely taken by the beautiful views of this particular golf course home.


I have been inside several of the grand homes located at The Sanctuary. It's amazing the different feeling you get when you walk in the front door of 283 Golf Club and view the fairway through the French doors. It is stunning. There's no mistaking that view for anything other than a golf course. The homes on the opposite side of the fairway with their distinctive architecture are par for this course.

The master suite is located on the second floor which has a glorious rear balcony that overlooks the golf course. I remember wondering to myself as I snapped the above picture what would it be like to wake up each morning to have such a beautiful view. I don't play golf so I don't dream of owning a place on a golf course, but if I did, this view and this house would get my attention.

283 Golf Club Drive is a 1600 sq ft home that was built in 1999. The home has three bedrooms plus a study (or fourth bedroom) located off the living room. The living spaces on the main floor are broad and welcoming. With the French doors open, the outside view instantly makes the inside seem even more expansive. There are double decker porches on front and rear plus a covered off street parking spot.


The listing Realtor describes 283 Golf Club Drive this way:

"Exciting opportunity to live in Exclusive Sanctuary @ KW Golf Club! Separate gated single-family residence enclave w/in gated community. Superb location near Sanctuary gates, no need to drive thru entire loop! Magnificent vista, overlooks 16th fairway/green, peaceful lake, hammock preserve w/egrets nesting @ sunset. Lush landscaping to enjoy from delightful double-decker screened verandas directly off liv. rm. & master suite upstairs. Upgrades abound, Italian tile throughout, Berber carpet on steps, Corian counter tops, Radiant range, natural wooden blinds, 2-car driveway, private covered carport, inground jacuzzi w/island tin roof & wooden latticed privacy walls. Meticulously maintained home w/only two separate loving snowbird owners!"

Or you could buy a place in Old Town near a bar...

CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet on this property which is offered at $529,000. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Let me help you find your home in Key West.

---

Key West Beachside Resort - Unit No. 432 - Bank Owned Condo

Key West Beachside Resort

Model Unit Photos - Key West Beachside Resort

A lot of people in my generation (the baby boomers) are already making plans as to where they will spend their reclining years. Many will keep a place up north for the summer and want a place in Florida for the winter. There's nothing new about that. Except there are going be so many of us soon-to-be-retirees that there may be a run on retirement places in Florida. I don't think our generation will be ready for the nursing home type facility. Instead I think a lot of us may want a place that has all of the convenience of a home with lots of amenities, no yard work, and limited housekeeping required. That's why I think the Key West Beachside Resort might make an excellent place to retire to.


The Beachside Resort is located at the east end of the island of Key West. It's close enough to drive to Old Town to see a play, to dine at a great eatery, or to party with friends. It is conveniently located near our three shopping centers. The airport and several marinas are all within a mile or so. And the Key West Golf Course is only five minutes away.

The units are designed such that the formal entry provides access to the "guest" bedroom (or second transient rental) which abuts but is not inside the main residence. I can imagine that an older couple might live in the main residence and possibly use the second bedroom by a live-in when and if that might become necessary.


Think about the luxury of calling downstairs and having the restaurant deliver your dinner to your residence on a night you don't feel like cooking or going out for dinner. If you are reading this and think my logic is a little strange, consider the cost of living in a typical assisted living facility. The Beachside Resort would not substitute for a person who needs a nursing home type facility, but it would be a great alternative for someone who is healthy that wants a no maintenance environment with lots of amenities and convenient to Key West locations.


The Beachside Resort has all of the amenities you would expect including a private beach, huge pool with poolside bar and grill, gym, lush tropical gardens, private parking, plus the hotel amenities including concierge service and restaurants. Imagine the convenience of having all of that available every day.

Unit No. 432 is Bank Owned and the asking price was just reduced to $549,500. or $405 per sq ft for this 1357 sq ft two bedroom, two bath and one-half bath luxury condominium with features that exceed what you will likely not find elsewhere in Key West and certainly not in this price range. The unit comes furnished. The listing Realtor describes this property this way:

"This condo is located on the top floor and offers additional outdoor space with a roof top deck and amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. This unit is 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and will be sold with 2 transient rental licenses and all of the modern furnishing needed. The unit can be divided into 2 separate living spaces (A+B) which can be rented separate from one another, this is ideal for separate rentals. The waterfront resort offers a large heated swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, a beautiful beach and the best restaurants on the island."

CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls listing data sheet and photos for Unit No. 432. Be sure to notice the monthly association fees of $1668 which include "Exterminating, Trash Removal, Building Exterior Maintenance, Building Insurance, Common Area Maintenance, Pool Maintenance, and Security". I've been to the Beachside Resort many times. The place is a total class act each time and all the time. You will be proud to have your friends and family visit you. You may rent or not rent your unit as well. The unit comes with two Transient Rental Licenses which permit rentals on a daily basis which can go through the hotel or through a property management company of your choosing.

Compare this bath to what you might expect to see in a similarly priced condo elsewhere in Key West. No comparison!

If you would like to see this unit or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.